DIY Herb Pot with Recycled Candle Jar

Over Easter, one of our designers received a small lavender plant from her family. Unfortunately, she had no herb pots at home and the plant wasn't very well protected - the dirt was getting everywhere. She knew she wasn't going to have time to go pick up pots, so she started looking for objects around the house. Desperate, she almost used a food storage container when she came across a candle that was no longer holding it's light. Instead of throwing it out, she wondered if the lavender plant would fit in the old candle jar - perfect fit! 

Designer Style + Ode To The Summer Skirt

How does Luv 4 Anouka designer, Melissa Renkosik, style the clothing she designs? She keeps it fun and simple. The Luv 4 Anouka line is here to make your life easier. All the tops and bottoms mix and match effortlessly so you look good AND feel good. Yes, comfort is one of our number one concerns. If you love bright colors, fun prints, adoring details and super soft fabrics, then you’re one of the good ones. 

Here, Melissa is wearing our textured skirt with side braid detail and our burnout jersey heart-shaped neckline tee. 

Packing List for a Summer Weekend Getaway

This is a very serious epidemic… did you know that 10 out of 10 women over pack? Okay those numbers are not reflective of any research, but every woman I know has trouble packing for a short weekend. And I’m guilty of it too! Even if I’m just going away for a few days, I end up packing a week’s worth of clothing. Sure, having options is nice, but if you’re flying or need to keep your load light, options might not be in the cards.

Sunglasses. Sun Hat. Floral Print Clutch. Bikini. Wedges. Beach Bag. Necklace. 

So after lugging one too many a suitcase down the stairs, I decided to come up with a fool-proof packing list for a summer weekend getaway. If it’s warm out, what do you really need anyway? The secret is to stick with some effortless basics that you’ll look and feel good in no matter where you’re headed. Once you have your basics, pack along some accessories so you can dress your outfit up if need be.

For example, the Luv4Anouka dress featured above can work for a day at the beach or can be dressed up for a night out if you pair it with a fun clutch and nice pair of sandals. And you can’t go wrong with a basic tank top and shorts. It’s an easy look for day, and you can dress it up with a statement necklace and once again, nice pair of sandals.  

And some additions & tips, conditions permitting:

If you’re going somewhere where it cools off at night, be sure to pack a warmer layer.

If you’re going to be staying at the beach or walking around, pack a pair of comfortable flip flops.

Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Use your beach bag as a carry on if you’re flying

Spring Cleaning Your Wardrobe: What to Toss & Must Haves

If you’re anything like me, you still have clothes from 5 years ago clogging up your closet. I’m not what you would call a pack-rat, but I just like holding on to things in case they ever go back in style (can you hear the denial?). So this year I have made it my goal to really give the closet a nice spring cleaning. I thought I’d share the method to my madness since I can’t be the only one holding on to the past! 

Welcoming Spring: Backyard Green Garden Party

If you’ve been in hibernation mode for the past 5 months like I have, you’re probably bursting at the seams to get out and do something! I find the best way to welcome spring is with a bright, casual backyard garden party with friends.

Paint the Town Paisley: Summer's Prettiest Print

During the summer you see a lot of stripes, and maybe even some polka dots. But paisley is seriously summer's prettiest print. The way it swirls and blooms inside twisted teardrops gives it a feminine yet somewhat exotic feel to it. The reason it's so popular for the summer is it's botanical beauty. Thought to be inspired by the tropical seeming date palm tree, looking or wearing paisley can transport you to it's origins of India or Persia. The pattern is truly unpredictable, just like the woman wearing it!

Styled for Spring: The Jersey Button Up

On the East Coast here in NYC, we're pretty tired of getting slammed with snow and "storm of the centuries". The second the weather gets above 45 we'll be jumping for joy! 45 and sunny may not seem very warm but it’s such a nice reprieve from the bitter cold winter we have had.  

While it may not be time for sandals yet, our designers are busy creating effortless looks for Spring time. Mixing and matching pieces from the Spring 2013 line and our own wardrobe, we’ve come up with an outfit that you can wear just about anywhere!

What is about a button up that’s so alluring? Maybe it’s the versatility: this burnout wash jersey cotton rolled 1/2 sleeve button up can be styled so many different ways. Not to mention you can wear it throughout spring, summer and fall! Tie it together at the bottom and pair it with a maxi skirt, or wear it with these great ankle-zip skinny pants like we plan to here.